Nakashima's latest single is loaded with talent and energy.
Throughout her career, Mika Nakashima has undergone a number of image changes, from an ethereal-voiced ingenue to punk-goddess during the filming of the "Nana" movies, to a flowing-haired soul queen, to a chain-smoking, bird-flipping rock gamine for MICA 3 CHU. Despite her many physical transformations and the musical experimentation that came along with them, she is one of the few artists who has been able parlay it into versatility rather than mere "moldability," maintaining the essence of herself and letting her talent shine through above all. For her latest single Over Load, Nakashima allows us to reminisce about her beginnings, but adds a decidedly grown-up touch.
The title track, Over Load, starts off with a funky, synth-pop introduction that weaves itself into a burst of soaring violins that continue to act as the primary instruments for the remainder of the song. The song begins softly and, fittingly for this song, almost timidly, gradually building into a shimmering and powerful chorus. The composition is well-paced, and Mika Nakashima's energy and emotion are unfaltering, so the song never gets boring and, like all good things, leaves you wanting more.
The remix of Over Load by Hidefumi Kenmochi comes off as an entirely different creature, sound-wise. The more rhythmic and cleaner instrumentals of acoustic guitar and piano, supported by a line of soft percussion, lends a calm feeling to the originally uplifting and sparkling song. Nevertheless, Nakashima's strong vocals carry through the original determination of the vocal lines, albeit in a quieter way. If you were to compare the song in terms of times of day, the original version of Over Load is like the morning coffee that helps you get going, whereas the remix is the soothing cup of tea right before you go to bed.
Like Over Load's remix, the second title on the single, No Answer, possesses a touch of reserved calm from the soft background. The violins and synthesizers used in the original Over Load make a second appearance, this time creating a multi-dimensional sound that is both bittersweet and hopeful. They complement Nakashima's expressive singing, and the song's steady beat helps push the melodies and harmonies forward - though admittedly, it also makes No Answer start to feel too repetitive after multiple listens.
In comparison to her previous singles and albums, Over Load has a strong pop influence and more mainstream feel, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. What Mika Nakashima has offered with this single are two new sophisticated and mature pop songs that are very approachable and easy to listen to, and they are bound to be appreciated by many, both young and old.
